The CDC recommends people 5 and older who got the Pfizer vaccine receive an age-appropriate, updated mRNA booster dose if at least 2 months have passed since their primary vaccination series or since their most recent booster dose. Children who are exactly age 5 must receive an updated Pfizer-BioNTech booster as it is the only booster authorized for this age group; the updated Moderna booster is only authorized for people 6 and older. Updated boosters of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna contain a bivalent formula that both boosts immunity against the original coronavirus strain and also protects against the newer Omicron variants that now cause most cases. Updated boosters are expected to provide better protection against the virus and address waning vaccine effectiveness over time.

Booster shots are not available for children under 5.

The Johnson & Johnson booster vaccine is authorized for anyone age 18 and older as a single booster dose after the primary vaccine if no other approved vaccine is available. See additional recommendations for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.